"Leave to Learn, Return to Lead": Global Engagement at the School of Social Work

In this first episode of 2026, Stephanie and Katie get to explore how the School of Social Work at UT is turning global experiences into local leadership. Our two very special guests Dr. Noel Busch-Armendariz and Stacey Jordan share how the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) prepares students to work across cultures, navigate complex systems, and return home equipped to make meaningful change. We learned that as a result of the school's efforts, UT has the longest-standing institutional partnership with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, sending the UNHCR Longhorn interns for 30 years and counting. From immersive global field placements to trauma-informed classroom projects, we hear how social work education bridges borders and builds capacity for healing, equity, and leadership. This conversation reflects the school’s guiding motto: Leave to Learn, Return to Lead. Thanks for joining us on The Other Side of Campus!CreditsHosts: Stephanie Seidel Holmsten & Katie DawsonMusic by various artists: Denys Brodovskyi, the Polish Ambassador, Scott Holmes Music, Alex ProductionsTheme track: "Soul Sync" by KetsaExecutive Producer: Michelle Daniel